The Congress [OST] (LP)

Max Richter

Amoeba Review

07/21/2014

Prolific composer Max Richter finds the right balance between a grandiose symphonic style and electronic elements on the soundtrack to Ari Folman’s futuristic, partially animated film The Congress. “Beginning and Ending” appropriately rises and falls continually, resolving its melody only to begin again immediately. “Andante con Moto” introduces regal strings and stately piano, while the chilly “Winterrise” calls to mind Ramin Djawadi’s work with “Game of Thrones.” From here, “The Congress” soundtrack changes gears, moving into syncopated synths for “On the Road to Abrahama, Pt. 1” and its sequel, full of propulsive tribal beats and rock organ. Despite these disparate strands, the soundtrack holds together, returning to a more traditional symphonic style on the morose “Out of the Dark” and “The Rebel Attack’s” ominous horns. Stay tuned for a heartfelt vocal turn from The Congress star Robin Wright, on a spaced-out version of the new wave classic “Forever Young.” Wright’s character in the film, a version of the actual actress, creates a digital likeness of herself to star in future films, and her very human delivery amid syntheizers and slowly crashing guitars creates a chilling centerpiece to the soundtrack. Whether or not you’re on board for the strange Congress, Richter’s soundtrack for the film is equally bold and mesmerizing.